On The Fly: Closing WrapStocks on Wall Street began the day almost unchanged as investors awaited the testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen before a Senate panel. Following her prepared remarks, which suggested the central bank will not rush to raise interest rates, buyers stepped in to push the market higher. The Dow moved to all-time highs, as did the S&P, while the Nasdaq extended its most recent streak that saw the index close higher for nine consecutive sessions for the first time that has happened since 2009. ECONOMIC EVENTS: In the U.S., Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen stated in prepared testimony to Congress that the central bank considers it "unlikely" that economic conditions will warrant an increase in the target range for the federal funds rate for "at least the next couple" of FOMC meetings. Yellen also said that while the drop in oil prices will have negative effects on energy producers and will probably result in job losses in this sector, it will likely be a significant overall net positive for the U.S. economy. The S&P Case-Shiller 20-city house price index reported a seasonally adjusted monthly increase of 0.9%, versus expectations for an increase of 0.6%. Markit's services PMI for February came in at 57.0, versus consensus of 54.5. The Conference Board consumer confidence index declined in February to 96.4, which was down from last month's revised 103.8 figure and below the consensus 99.5 forecast. The Richmond Fed manufacturing index for February came in at 0, versus the consensus expectation for a reading of 6. In Europe, eurozone finance ministers approved Greece's reform proposals and extended the country's bailout program by four more months. COMPANY NEWS: Home Depot (HD) advanced $4.47, or 3.98%, to $116.75 after the Dow member's earnings beat expectations. The home improvement giant also hiked its quarterly dividend by 26% and authorized an $18B share repurchase program. MAJOR MOVERS: Among the notable gainers was SunPower (SPWR), which rose $5.00, or 17.99%, to $32.80 after its quarterly results topped expectations and the company announced that its in advanced talks to form a joint YieldCo vehicle with peer First Solar (FSLR). First Solar shares also advanced $5.06, or 10.19%, to $54.70 during the session, though its shares are fractionally lower in after-hours trading after the company issued its own earnings report. Among the noteworthy losers was Rosetta Resources (ROSE), which fell $3.29, or 15.04%, to $18.58 after its weaker than expected Q4 report and lowered guidance was followed by at least five analyst downgrades of its stock. Also lower were shares of Wynn Resorts (WYNN), which slid $7.33, or 4.75%, to $147.00 after reports indicated that Macau's government views overcrowding from tourists as a serious problem and plans to review the mainland’s individual visit scheme with authorities after Chinese New Year. INDEXES: The Dow rose 92.35, or 0.51%, to 18,209.19, the Nasdaq gained 7.15, or 0.14%, to 4,968.12, and the S&P 500 added 5.82, or 0.28%, to 2,115.48.

JPMorgan positive on First Solar, SunPower joint venture talksJPMorgan says its initial view is positive of the First Solar (FSLR), SunPower (SPWR) advanced talks to form a joint venture. The firm believes the initial portfolio of the combined YieldCo should be 1.2GW or more, which it thinks would support "strong" dividend growth. It has an Overweight rating on both names.

First Solar gaps up after hours, levels to watchShares were last up over 11% to $55.27 following news that the company was in discussion with SunPower (SPWR) to create a joint venture YieldCo vehicle. SunPower shares were also rallying. At current price next resistance is at $56.99. Support is at $54.29.

First Solar, SunPower rally after saying they are in talks to form YieldCo Solar stocks are moving up in extended trading this afternoon after First Solar (FSLR) and SunPower (SPWR) announced that they are in advanced negotiations to form a joint YieldCo vehicle. WHAT'S NEW: First Solar and SunPower announced that they are in advanced negotiations to form a joint YieldCo vehicle to which they each expect to contribute a portfolio of selected solar generation assets from their existing portfolio of assets. Upon the execution of a master formation agreement, the parties intend to file a registration statement with the SEC for an initial public offering of limited partner interests in the YieldCo. Formation of the YieldCo and completion of the IPO are subject to, among other things, the execution of definitive documentation, each party’s board approval and regulatory approval. PRICE ACTION: First Solar is up over 10% to $54.90 in the after hours while SunPower is higher by over 12% to $31.27. OTHERS TO WATCH: Other solar stocks gaining in after-hours trading include SolarCity Corporation (SCTY), Trina Solar (TSL), JA Solar Holdings (JASO), SunEdison (SUNE), and Canadian Solar (CSIQ).

First Solar, SunPower plan to partner to form joint YieldCo vehicle First Solar (FSLR) and SunPower (SPWR) announced that they are in advanced negotiations to form a joint YieldCo vehicle to which they each expect to contribute a portfolio of selected solar generation assets from their existing portfolio of assets. Upon the execution of a master formation agreement, the parties intend to file a registration statement with the SEC for an initial public offering of limited partner interests in the YieldCo. Formation of the YieldCo and completion of the IPO are subject to, among other things, the execution of definitive documentation, each party’s board approval and regulatory approval. There is no assurance that the YieldCo will be formed or that the IPO will be consummated or that any other transaction will occur.

Solar stocks struggle in extended session after SolarCity resultsSolar stocks are trading down in the extended session after SolarCity (SCTY) reported a larger fourth quarter loss than expected and guided to a first quarter loss well below consensus estimates. WHAT'S NEW: Solar city said adjusted non-GAAP earnings per share for Q4 was a loss of ($1.33) against estimates of a loss of ($1.27). Revenue for the quarter was in-line at $71.8M. The company also guided for a loss of ($1.75)-($1.65) per share in the current quarter which is below analysts' average estimates for a loss of ($1.25) per share. However, the company did note, " With end-market demand healthy and growing, our installation capacity steadily ramping and a majority of our financing needs secured for the year, we remain confident in achieving our guidance to deploy 920-1000MW in 2015." PRICE ACTION: Shares of SolarCity are down over 5% to $54.01 in the after-hours session. OTHERS TO WATCH: Other stocks in the solar space trading lower in the extended session include SunPower (SPWR), SunEdison (SUNE), Vivint Solar (VSLR), and First Solar (FSLR).